National Park Service Harry S Truman U.S. Department of the Interior Harry S Truman National Historic Site

Bess Truman

Bess Truman circa 1905 (left) and later as First Lady. Library of Congress Wife, Mother, and Intelligent, well-educated, and having a robust sense of humor, Bess First Lady Truman was more than capable of holding her own alongside husband Harry Truman. However, as First Lady some might say Bess set about creating her public image by trying not to have one. She remained out of the spotlight as best as she could, all the while steadfastly supporting her husband, privately being his confidant, and acting as unofficial advisor.

Early Life Elizabeth Virginia Wallace, better known as Bess, Perhaps to escape the embarrassment of the tragic was born on February 13, 1885, in Independence, suicide, Madge Wallace relocated her family to Missouri. She was the oldest child of four of Denver. Within a year they returned to Indepen- David Willock Wallace and Madge Gates Wallace. dence, and moved into the home of Madge’s father, George Porterfield Gates. The Gates’ house, located Bess grew up in Independence and later graduated at 219 N. Delaware, continued to be Bess’s home from Independence High School in the same class for the remainder of her life. as Harry Truman. She later studied language and literature at the Barstow School, a girl’s finishing Bess was eighteen when her father passed away. Her school in Kansas City. mother never overcame this tragic loss. Bess, being the oldest, took on the responsibility of taking care Bess’s father held several public offices, including of the family. Her daughter Margaret would later County Treasurer and Deputy Surveyor of the US write: “All her life, Bess felt a responsibility for her Bess had a reputation as a tomboy. She was noted for her athletic Bureau of Customs. Despite his high standing in brothers. It was a feeling that went beyond the ability. Her love of sports continued the local community, mounting debts and bouts of ordinary loyalty of an older sister. She was the throughout her life. Truman Library depression may have been the cause of his suicide acknowledged leader of the family.” in 1903 in the family home at 608 N. Delaware.

Harry and Bess In 1917, Bess became engaged to Harry Truman After her husband gained national prominence whom she had known since childhood. Harry and as Chairman of the Senate Special Committee to Bess were married in Independence on June 28, Investigate the National Defense Program (better 1919, in the Trinity Episcopal Church. The Trumans known as the Truman Committee), Bess joined his moved into the house at 219 N. Delaware. Their office staff as a clerk, answering his personal mail only child, Mary Margaret, was later born there on and editing committee reports. February 17, 1924.

In 1934, Truman was elected United States Senator from Missouri. During the next ten years while Truman served in the Senate, Bess and Margaret stayed in Washington from January through June while Congress was in session, and in Independence during the remainder of the year.

Bess became a member of the Congressional Club Harry and Bess’s courtship lasted nine and the PEO (Philanthropic Educational Organiza- years. They were finally married on June 28, 1919. Truman wrote, “...[it] tion) Sisterhood. With the outbreak of World War was the happiest day of my life, for II, she was active in the H Street United Service Daughter Mary Margaret, I had been looking forward to it for or “Margie,” was born on a lifetime or so it seemed.”Truman Organization and in the Red Cross work of the February 17, 1924. Library Senate Wives Club. Truman Library

EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA™ A Reluctant First Lady Harry Truman became President on April 12, 1945, after serving only eighty-two days as Vice President. Bess Truman never wanted to be First Lady. As her husband later wrote, she was “not especially interested in the formalities and pomp” of the White House. She attended events on occasion, but preferred to stay out of the spotlight.

Bess continued to do her own shopping and drive her own car. She wrote her own Christmas cards, and kept score when she went to baseball games. J.B. West, Chief Usher of the White House, once remarked, “When she spoke, I was aware from her words, from her tone of voice, that there was no distance of class or background between Bess First Lady Bess Truman (left) christens an airplane with Truman and myself. She seemed like an ordinary a bottle of champagne. Daughter Margaret Truman is beside her. May 30, 1945. Truman Library person...”

She did attend numerous teas and luncheons given volume of mail she received. Many described her as in her honor, sometimes as many as two or three a “down-to-earth” First Lady who visited her old engagements a day. While she discontinued Eleanor beauty shop and continued to pay only $3.00 for Roosevelt’s custom of holding press conferences, her weekly manicure, shampoo and set because she she was meticulous in answering the large “saw no reason to change.”

Advisor to the President Bess became an important advisor to her husband. husband...better insight than her husband into When it was time for the president to hire a new the quality and trustworthiness of people who had press secretary, Bess recommended their old high gathered around him.” school classmate, Charlie Ross. Bess knew Charlie to be loyal, trustworthy and sincere, important Bess also exercised enormous political influence values for a presidential press secretary. during Harry’s second term. For example, each year she would lobby him to provide money to Clark Clifford, an advisor to President Truman fight cancer and other diseases. wrote about Bess: “pillar of strength to her

Bess Truman’s Legacy Bess Truman was once asked by a reporter what “Friends and acquaintances agree that loyalty and she wanted to do when her husband was no longer sincerity were the mainsprings of Mrs. Truman’s President. She quickly and honestly replied, character,” one writer observed. “She seldom thinks “Return to Independence.” At the end of President of the effect she is creating. She exists principally Truman’s second term, the couple gladly returned in her relationships with family and friends. To her, to their family home in Independence. duty is a pleasant, everyday word.”

Their retirement years included vacations in Bess Truman died at her home on October 18, 1982, Europe and Hawaii, and happy times spent with at the age of ninety-seven. Her will left her beloved Margaret and her four young sons. Whenever home in Independence to the United States of possible they tried their best to live normal America to preserve the legacy of her husband and lives—despite their celebrity status. the presidency.

After Harry Truman’s death on December 26, 1972, Though famous in her own right as First Lady, her Bess continued to live in her home on Delaware greatest contributions often went unnoticed in the Street where she received visits from close friends public eye. She was, without question, the most and relatives as well as from distinguished visitors influential and most loyal supporter of Harry who came to pay their respects. Truman.

Bess and Harry enjoy a laugh while in Key West. Truman Library

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